Today was Baptist Head Count Sunday, that great festival of the first Sunday each December where we generate the statistics that the Baptist Union will use for some purpose or other in determining our health.
I handed my treasurer a piece of paper on which I'd drawn a grid for him to record our demographics, omitting the boxes we definitely would not need. I was not too optimisitic - at 2:59 there were no more people there than on a normal Sunday despite the fact that D+1 were joining us and one YFC volunteer had returned for a second visit. At 3:02 we were listening to the notices as late comers ambled in and had to sit at the front. At 3:05 I noticed two noses pressed up against the French windows and asked someone to let in the two lads looking in at us.
All went well, but I had to smile when it got to the Communion and the two deacon-servers (is that tautology, it probably is) returned with trays each holding only one wine glass; I was glad I insist that they put some in the chalice (I have a thing about picking up empty chalices!). Enough for all to share but none left over - that felt good.
In conversation, it emerged that the lads had seen our banner on the school fence and come to investigate. They were very polite and courteous only giggling quietly during the more wierd bits of our rituals, and I was glad that one of our members sat with them and explained things as we went along. I was glad that they felt comfortable enough not to stand to sing just becuase most of us do and delighted when they stayed for a cuppa and several biscuits before they left.
So, my head count data now reads
Under 14 Males 2 Females 0
14 - 21 Males 1 Females 0
22 - 50 Males 1 Females 4
51 - 65 Males 4 Females 6
65+ Males 6 Females 17
With a total of 41 attending rather than the usual ~30 it is artificially high, with three under 40's it is miraculous.
The BU collects the data, Catriona preaches on 'my strength is made perfect in weakness' ... and in heaven is heard the hearty chuckle of divine laughter.